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WASHINGTON – Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will speak at the Atlantic Council this evening (September 18) about his country’s confrontation with the Kremlin, in the final stop on his first official visit to the United States as Ukraine’s leader. He is expected to arrive and speak at 6:10 p.m. following his meeting with President Barack Obama and his address to a Joint Session of Congress.

President Poroshenko will address an invitation-only audience of policy specialists and journalists in a discussion of how the United States and the transatlantic community can help Ukraine defend itself against the invasion of its territory by Russian military forces.

During the event, the Atlantic Council will present President Poroshenko its Global Citizen Award in recognition of his steadfast commitment to a free and democratic Ukraine, and the importance of his cause to a Europe whole, free, and at peace.

Despite a cease-fire, some fighting continues in southeastern Ukraine, where Russia’s government has attacked with regular army units as part of its campaign to prevent Ukraine from pursuing its commitment to democratization and an association with the European Union. President Poroshenko is seeking further support from the United States and the European Union, which are preparing further sanctions against Russia.

On September 18, the Atlantic Council chairman, Governor Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., will offer welcoming remarks; Senator Bob Menendez will then introduce President Poroshenko and present him with the Global Citizen Award. (Amid the current crisis, President Poroshenko will not be present at the Council's scheduled presentation of its annual awards – which this year also will go to former Israeli President Shimon Peres, former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, American pianist and composer Llewelyn Sanchez-Werner and actor Robert DeNiro – in New York City on September 21.)

To join the conversation, please tune in to the live webcast on Thursday, September 18 and be sure to follow along using #ACUkraine and @AtlanticCouncil. For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..